The Stettler Board of Trade is working hard to assist local businesses as they alter or even cancel operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In partnership with the SREMA (Stettler Regional Emergency Management Agency), the Board of Trade is collecting emergency information from businesses in regard to the pandemic as well as for future emergencies.
All information collected will be kept confidential.
Officials say the information is important to provide assistance in emergency planning and situations that may arise, provide immediate updates, assess the economic situation, and prepare for recovery.
Businesses can access the form at www.stettlerboardoftrade.com.
All business owners or managers in the Stettler Region should complete the form to provide information for emergency situations and to receive important updates.
“The Business Resources Support Form was created to gather emergency information as well as to get information from the businesses in regard to what they are facing right now and what resources we can provide them with to help them make smart decisions and to help them with those tough calls,” explained Stacey Benjamin, executive director.
“The biggest concern right now is the financial uncertainty of businesses. It was already a pretty difficult situation with our economy, so we are trying to gather all of the resources that we can from things that are being offered from the banks, the different levels of government and any other resources that our businesses can access to help alleviate some of those strains.”
She added that many of those resources are currently posted on the web site as well (www.stettlerboardoftrade.com.)
“We are also sharing all of them in a news letter that we send our every two days,” she added. “We are constantly updating that on or social media as well, and we are also trying to get the most recent information made available to the businesses as quickly as possible.”
The Board will also be providing updates and resources to business owners as they become available.
“We would also love to hear from our business community about (what they feel) they are missing,” she said, adding that the Province has also stated that it will be exploring further ways to assist local businesses as well.
“They’ve released some preliminary resources, but I know there will likely be some more coming,” she said.
“But if the businesses wanted to let us know what they are missing, we would love to hear from them and to help them advocate for those.
“We are here to support our businesses, so if they have any questions or concerns they are welcome to give our office a call. Also, if they call the SREMA Hotline (403-742-7300), we will be helping to answer questions there, too.”
As mentioned, information will be shared via the Board’s e-newsletter, Facebook (Stettler Regional Board of Trade & Community Development) and Twitter (@StettlerBOT).
For more, call the Board’s office at 403-742-3181 or email info@stettlerboardoftrade.com.
“Right now, we are also working with SREMA so we can help provide regional resources,” she said.
According to a release, SREMA is also continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Alberta closely, as well as the effects it may have on local residents.
“As a result of the strain the COVID-19 outbreak may cause on social services and accessibility, SREMA has developed the Community Resource Connection Form. This form aims to connect residents in need of assistance with volunteers or individuals available for hire.”
Through the Community Resource Connection Form, SREMA will establish connections for services including childcare, groceries and household essentials delivery, medication delivery, petcare and tutoring.
If you are in need of any of these services or are able to provide them, complete the forms found on www.stettler.net www.stettlercounty.ca or call the SREMA hotline at 403-742-7300.
A representative will review your responses and will contact you for further support.